The potential of handheld computer applications to add value to the quantity surveying activity at

the construction jobsite has been examined in this research. Through an extensive literature
review of information technology (IT) and its value in construction, and of the barriers and
benefits of handheld computers in the construction industry, as well as through several
investigations of construction technology adoption practices, a handheld computer
implementation design process and an evaluation method were developed. The evaluation
method was applied to a case study at a construction company that had recently implemented
handheld computers in its quantity surveying activity.

The results found that when implemented within the quantity surveying activity, handheld
computers can add value at the construction task level (provided that suitable tasks are selected
and a properly designed implementation strategy is followed). The quantity surveying case study
further found that the ability of these devices to add value at the activity and project levels is
constrained by the need for appropriate implementation. At the corporate level, implementing
handheld computers for quantity surveying can add value provided that they are well-integrated
into a companys IT infrastructure, implemented across multiple activities (in addition to
quantity surveying) and projects, and cost-justified as part of a companys overall IT
improvement strategy.

The research also found that in addition to added value as time and cost savings, the intangible
benefits of HHCs in construction (such as improved information accuracy) are just as important.

Handheld computer technology is expected to continue improving at its current high rate. The
value of using handheld computers in construction will also likely increase as these devices
become more suitable for construction tasks, and as new applications for them in construction
emerge

Construction is an information intensive industry in which the accuracy and timeliness of

information is paramount. Construction projects can experience extensive delays or rework due
to information that is unavailable, inaccurate or simply outdated. Handheld computers (HHC)
have the potential to solve some of these problems by providing field workers with accurate,
reliable and timely information at the location where it is needed. Thus, HHCs can increase the
amount of direct work on a project indirectly by directly decreasing the time spent on support
work and by reducing idle time. Applying a HHC evaluation method to 6 hypothetical
construction field activities (punchlisting, materials tracking, MSDS access, drawing access,
RFIs, and quantity surveying) showed that HHCs could potentially save time and improve
accuracy at the task and activity levels of a construction project. However, barriers related to the
HHCs technological limitations and to the nature of the construction industry must be overcome
in order to reap the full benefits of HHCs

In order to stay within schedule and budget limits, construction projects require fluent
communication and information exchange between the collaborating parties. Unnecessary
project delays and rework are often caused by missing or outdated information. Easily available,
accurate and up-to-date information on project status can improve work efficiency and quality.
Such information can be efficiently shared between project parties in electronic form, but
recording the information on-site and transmit it to the office requires mobile devices and
wireless communication. This paper presents a prototype smartphone application called
Construction Progress Control (CPC) that can record on-site progress in different activities,
convert this information into a format that can be imported to a project management software
(e.g., Primavera P6) and send this information to a PC where the project management software
picks up this information and updates the schedule accordingly. The efficiency of construction
projects can be improved by collecting and recording progress information at the worksite using
electronic devices, by providing schedulers in the office with accurate and up-to-date progress
information, and by updating the work schedule in a timely fashion, hence allowing the project
manager to make decisions without delay.